Coffee Table with a Built-in Display

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a coffee table with a built-in display. The purpose of the present device is to provide an aesthetically pleasing coffee table while providing a display for an artwork. The device includes a tabletop and a plurality of legs attached thereto. The tabletop has an upper surface with a recessed portion that is adapted to store an artwork, such as a painting therein. The recessed portion has a ledge that is adapted to support a cover thereon. The ledge is elevated above the recessed surface so that the cover and the recessed surface are separated by a space. The cover is preferably composed of a transparent material so as to allow a user to view the artwork stored within the recessed portion. The cover is removably secured to the tabletop so that a user can remove the cover and replace the artwork as desired.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/861,804 filed on Aug. 2, 2013. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a coffee table. More specifically, the present invention pertains to an improved coffee table with a recessed portion for holding and displaying an artwork therein. The painting may be replaced as often as desired by the user. In this way, the present invention provides a dynamic coffee table with interchangeable design features.

A coffee table is a style of long, low table that is designed to be placed in front or next to a sofa, to support beverages, magazines, books, decorative objects, and other small items to be used while sitting. Coffee tables are generally placed in sitting areas such as the living room or family room. Coffee tables are commonly constructed out of wood or metal, but they are also available in many different variations and style.

While some coffee tables may incorporate cabinets or drawers for storage, these cabinets and drawers typically store household items so they remain out of sight and reduce clutter. Additionally, traditional coffee tables are generally static in design and are not adapted to provide interchangeable design features. Such lack of versatility in design can create difficulty when decorating the interior of a room. A user must decorate the room so that each of the furniture does not clash with one another. Many times, new furniture is purchased to ensure a harmonious appearance. In such cases, the user must replace an existing coffee table with a new one.

The present invention improves upon traditional coffee tables by providing a means of storing and displaying artwork. The present invention comprises a tabletop having a recessed portion defined by a first and a second inner perimeter, wherein a ledge is formed therebetween. The first perimeter is the inner perimeter or the inner edge of the tabletop surface while the second perimeter is the perimeter of the recessed portion. In one embodiment, the recessed portion is adapted to hold a painting therein, and a removable cover is placed on the ledge thereabove. In this way, the present coffee table displays the painting while the cover protects the painting from exposure. Moreover, the painting may be easily replaced to suit the preferences of the user. Therefore, the coffee table of the present invention may easily be transformed to blend harmoniously with the rest of the decor of the room in which it is placed.

Description of the Prior Art

Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that claim display coffee tables. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications, and generally relate to coffee tables with storage means and transparent tabletops. Some of these devices disclose a table with a recessed area for holding artwork and a glass cover. Other devices disclose a table constructed of a transparent material and a lower portion for displaying various items. These devices, however, do not disclose a coffee table having a ledge adapted to support a cover, wherein the cover may be secured without fasteners and that may be easily removed from the top of the table. The foregoing is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art.

Specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 4,841,878 to Kriegsman discloses a table having a cover and an insert. The cover comprises a planar surface with a defined perimeter and side walls extending vertically therefrom. The insert comprises opposing surfaces each of a different color, finish, decoration, or design. The insert is placed on the top surface of the table and the cover is placed thereon. The cover is readily removable so as to replace the insert thereunder. In another embodiment, the device of Kriegsman discloses a tabletop having an open picture frame with a plurality of braces theraround. In yet another embodiment, the device comprises a transparent top and a side opening, wherein the side opening may be used to install and remove the insert. While the device of Kriegsman discloses a table with a transparent cover and a decorative insert, it does not disclose a recessed portion having a ledge for supporting the cover thereon. The present invention comprises a coffee table with a recessed portion defined by a first and second inner perimeters of different dimensions, forming a ledge therebetween. The ledge is adapted to support a cover thereon so as to prevent the cover from directly contacting an artwork placed in the recessed portion. Thus, the present invention is designed to display, as well as to protect the artwork displayed therein.

Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 6,715,849 to Fink discloses a storage and display table. The table comprises an interior volume that is defined by a bottom wall and side walls extending vertically therefrom, leaving the top open. In an exemplary embodiment, the interior volume comprises multiple compartments therein so as to help a user organize items contained therein. The top comprises a transparent cover that is slideably attached thereto. Thus, the side walls may comprise built-in channels to hold the edges of the cover therein. The device of Fink, however, differs from the present invention in that the present invention comprises a transparent cover that is installed and removed from the top without requiring fasteners or securing mechanisms. More specifically, the cover of the present invention is dimensioned so as to fit within the recessed portion of the tabletop. When the cover can be placed within the recessed portion, the cover is prevented from sliding or shifting.

U.S. Design Pat. No. D437504 to Giron discloses a table having a top surface that is adapted to display photos. The top surface comprises one or more frames thereon, wherein the frames are positioned adjacent to one another. While Giron discloses a table that is adapted to display photos, Giron fails to disclose means to interchange the photos display therein. In contrast, the present invention comprises a removable cover for allowing a user to access a recessed portion thereunder. In this way, the user may insert and remove an artwork such as painting and photographs as frequently as desired by the user.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,314,009 to Wunsh discloses a display device comprising a display surface with a frame having a transparent portion, and an interior space for holding an advertisement. In one embodiment, the display surface is secured to an elongated pole that may be mounted on a horizontal surface. The interior space comprises a clip thereon for securing advertising in place. The cover is adapted to partially wrap around the periphery of the interior space so as to prevent the advertising from escaping the interior space. While Wunsh provides a device for displaying various items, the design and intent of the Wunsh device differ significantly from the present invention. The present invention provides a coffee table with a built-in display. In contrast, Wunsh discloses a display surface mounted on a pole. Thus, Wunsh does not provide a device that is suitable to support beverages, magazines, books, decorative objects, and other small items to be used while sitting.

U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2006/0231718 to Calvanese discloses a multifunctional coffee table comprising a tabletop with recessed portions for holding coasters therein. The coasters are functional and can be utilized as a picture frame, a candle holder, a plate for chopsticks and soy sauce, a magazine holder, and a bowl. Each of the coasters comprise a flat base attached thereto. The coasters are stored in an inverted position so that the top portion of the coaster is placed in the recessed portion and the base is contiguous with the tabletop. Unlike the present invention, Calvanese fails to disclose a coffee table that is adapted to display an artwork such as a painting. The recessed portion of the present invention is constructed to hold and display an artwork, as well as a cover to protect the artwork displayed therein. Thus, the present invention increases functionality of a conventional coffee table while providing additional decorative element.

Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 1,483,135 to Walaschek provides a combination table and picture album. The device comprises a table having an interior volume adapted to hold a plurality of picture albums therein. The interior volume of the table is accessible via a hingedly attached tabletop that is composed of substantially transparent material. Although Walaschek discloses a table having means to display pictures therein, the design and intent of the Walaschek device differs from the present invention in that the present invention comprises a tabletop that acts as a frame or a shadow box rather than a compartment to store picture albums therein. Thus, the present invention enables a user to place an artwork directly therein.

While the devices disclosed in the prior art are designed to display various types of artwork, these devices have several known drawbacks. Many of these coffee tables are designed for displaying a single piece of artwork that cannot be replaced as desired by a user. Other devices disclosed include covers that require fasteners or securing mechanisms, which can detract from the decorative appearance of the coffee table. The present invention overcomes these limitations by disclosing a coffee table having a ledge adapted to support a cover, wherein the cover may be secured without fasteners and that may be easily removed from the top of the table.

It is therefore submitted that the present invention is substantially divergent in design elements from the prior art, and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to display coffee tables. In this regard, the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of display coffee tables now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new and improved coffee table with a built-in display wherein the same can be utilized for storing and displaying artwork.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a new and improved coffee table with a built-in display that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved coffee table with a built-in display that allows artwork to be viewed and enjoyed while a transparent cover is in place over the artwork.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved coffee table with a built-in display having a recessed tabletop with a ledge for supporting a removable cover thereon.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved coffee table with a built-in display having a removable cover to allow a user to replace the artwork placed therebelow.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved coffee table with a built-in display that is adapted to display one or more paintings therein.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved coffee table with a built-in display that protects artwork from damage caused by physical contact, overexposure to light, and other elements.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved coffee table with a built-in display that is economic in its construction and durable and efficient as an article of commercial use.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein the numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a disassembled view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a cross sectional view, from a lateral perspective, of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

References are made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the coffee table with a built-in display. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used to store and display artwork. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a perspective view and an exploded view of the present invention, respectively. The present invention comprises a coffee table 20 having a rectangular tabletop 31 that is composed of wood, molded thermoplastic material, or other suitable material. The tabletop 31 comprises an upper surface and a lower surface 36. The upper surface has a centralized recessed portion that is substantially rectangular in shape. In the exemplary embodiment, the recessed portion is constructed to display an artwork such as a painting 22 therein. As such, the recessed portion has a substantially planar recessed surface, wherein the surface area is suitably dimensioned in length and width to store one or more paintings 22. Additionally, the recessed portion has a depth that is suitable to store a standard framed canvas, linoleum, wooden panel, paper, slate, and the like.

The recessed portion has a recessed surface and a ledge 33 elevated thereabove. The ledge 33 is disposed around the periphery of the recessed portion and is defined by a first inner perimeter 32 and a second inner perimeter 34, wherein the second inner perimeter 34 is smaller than the first inner perimeter 32. The first inner perimeter 32 is the inner perimeter or the inner edge of the upper surface of the tabletop 31, and the second inner perimeter 34 is the perimeter of the recessed surface. The ledge 33 is adapted to support a cover 21 thereon, while securing the painting 22 and cover 21 in place. Additionally, the ledge 33 is adapted to provide a separation and offset between the cover 21 and the recessed surface.

The cover 21 is preferably composed of transparent material such as glass, acrylic, or other suitable material, thereby allowing a user to view the artwork stored in the recessed portion. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 21 is a rectangular sheet of glass with an upper surface 24 that is coextensive with a lower surface 23, defining a perimeter 38. The cover 21 is dimensioned to so that it is adapted to fit within the first inner perimeter 32 of the tabletop 31. As such, the perimeter 38 of the cover 21 is substantially equal to the first inner perimeter 32. In this way, the periphery of the lower surface 23 of the cover 21 is adapted to directly contact the ledge 33 when assembled.

The cover 21 of the present invention provides a surface on which various items can be placed, but also a protective barrier for an artwork stored in the recessed portion. Accordingly, the present invention serves the functionality of a conventional coffee table while providing means for displaying art. In some embodiments, the cover 21 may create a seal so as to prevent the artwork from damage caused by physical contact, overexposure to light, and other elements such as moisture, dust, and debris.

When assembled, the lower surface 26 of the painting 22 is placed directly on the recessed surface 35 of the tabletop 31. The perimeter 37 of the painting 22 is substantially equal to or less than the second inner perimeter 34 so that the painting 22 rests flush against the recessed surface 35 and does not extend beyond the recessed surface area. Thereafter, the cover 21 is placed on the ledge 33. Because the ledge 33 provides sufficient separation and offset between the cover 21 and the recessed surface 35, the upper surface 25 of the painting 22 does not contact the lower surface 23 of the cover 21. In this way, no undue stress is placed upon the painting 22.

The coffee table 20 further comprises a plurality of legs 27 that are composed of wood, molded thermoplastic material, or other suitable material. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the legs 27 comprise a rectangular cross section. In other embodiments, however, the legs may comprise a cylindrical shape, conical shape, curved shape, or other shapes. Each of the legs comprise an upper end 29 and a lower end 28 wherein the upper end 29 is affixed to the lower surface 36 of the tabletop 31 at or near each of the corners 30 thereof. The upper end 29 may be affixed to the lower surface 36 via fasteners such as screws, nails, or the like. In some embodiments, the legs 27 may be integral to the tabletop 31 so that the coffee table 20 is unitary in structure.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a cross sectional view, from a lateral perspective, of the present coffee table 20. The upper surface 39 of the tabletop 31 is disposed around the periphery thereof, forming a centralized recessed portion. The recessed portion is shaped similarly to the tabletop 31 and is defined by a first inner perimeter 32 and a second inner perimeter 34, forming a ledge 33 therebetween. The second inner perimeter 34 is the perimeter of the recessed surface 35, which does not extend below the lower surface 36 of the tabletop 31. Thus, the recessed surface 35 does not interfere with the structure of the lower surface 36 of the tabletop 31.

The ledge 33 is parallel to the upper surface 39 of the tabletop 31, and is adapted to support the cover 21 in a horizontal orientation. When the cover 21 is placed on the ledge 33, the upper surface 24 of the cover 21 and the upper surface 39 of the tabletop 31 form a substantially flat, contiguous surface. Additionally, the ledge 33 create a space between the bottom surface 23 of the cover 21 and the recessed surface 35 so that the cover 21 is elevated above the recessed surface 35. In this way, the recessed portion of the tabletop 31 is adapted to hold and display an artwork therein.

Because the ledge 33 is disposed below the upper surface 39 of the tabletop 31, the cover 21 is prevented from shifting or moving excessively when assembled. Thus, the cover 21 may be secured in place without requiring use of fasteners or other securing means. Additionally, the cover 21 may be easily removed from the tabletop 31 so that that the artwork may be replaced as desired by the user. In this way, the present invention provides a coffee table that can store an artwork such as painting for an interchangeable display.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above descriptions then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function, and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specifications are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

I claim:
 1. A coffee table, comprising: a tabletop having a lower surface and an upper surface having a recessed portion; said recessed portion having a first inner perimeter and a second inner perimeter; a ledge between said first inner perimeter and said second inner perimeter; a removable cover having a perimeter; wherein said ledge is adapted to support said cover; a plurality of legs attached to said lower surface.
 2. The coffee table of claim 1, wherein said second inner perimeter is less than said first inner perimeter.
 3. The coffee table of claim 2, wherein said cover comprises an upper surface that is coextensive with a lower surface; said lower surface of said cover directly contacting said ledge; said upper surface of said cover substantially contiguous with said upper surface of said tabletop.
 4. The coffee table of claim 1, wherein said recessed portion comprises a planar recessed surface that is adapted to hold a painting thereon; wherein said ledge is adapted to provide a separation between said cover and said recessed surface.
 5. The coffee table of claim 4, wherein said first inner perimeter is an inner perimeter of said upper surface of said tabletop and said second inner perimeter is a perimeter of said recessed surface.
 6. The coffee table of claim 4, wherein said recessed surface does not extend below said lower surface of said tabletop.
 7. The coffee table of claim 1, wherein said perimeter of said cover is substantially equal to said first inner perimeter.
 8. The coffee table of claim 4, wherein a perimeter of said painting is substantially equal to or less than said second inner perimeter. 